Does this spy business warrant the label of treason?

[wuushew]

Article III

Section 3

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.




Below are a list of people that could face the death penalty. Most of these countries are not considered "friends" of the United States. Then again in the Regan case China is one of our largest trading partners and we maintain full diplomatic relations. Do cases of treason represent failures in the impartiality of the justice system?


-snip-

National Guardsman Spc. Ryan G. Anderson faces the death penalty for aiding the enemy after being accused of turning over U.S. Army information and means of killing military personnel to Al Qaeda.

-snip-

Government prosecutors say retired Air Force Sgt. Brian Patrick Regan was willing to sell out his country by spying for Iraq, Libya and China for $13 million. His trial is still ongoing. That's the first espionage case in 50 years that could lead to the death penalty

-snip-

Former FBI agent Robert Hanssen spent 20 years selling U.S. secrets to Moscow in return for more than $1.4 million in cash and diamonds. He was indicted on 21 espionage-related counts, most of which carried a maximum sentence of death. In July 2001, he pled guilty to 13 counts of espionage in exchange for a life sentence.

[Fovea]

1. I am dubious about how these traitors

can be legally exhonorated.

Neither Iran, or Israel has America's best interests in mind.
One gets everything they ask for from us and now manipulates us into abandoning the standards of civilized nations, for theocratic thuggery, and the other has a history
of emnity against us.

No one who feigns service to America or alliance while selling secrets to other nations, or exerting covert influence needs to consume further oxygen post trial, as far as I am concerned.

[wuushew]

2. I believe Israel will be declared a "friend" of the United States

therefore making the crime of treason impossible. A person found guilty of passing information to a friendly government could still be found guilty of numerous lesser espionage charges.

[Fovea]

5. Boy that would be an oxymoron

Israel is on Israel's side, no less than Iran is on Iran's side.

[Danocrat]

3. No such thing

as treason if you're a member or support this administration. Just ask Bob Novak--he'll set you straight.

[shraby]

4. Wasn't there an entry in Bob Woodward's

book about showing Prince Bandar the war plans for Iraq before the war started??? What's that called?